IN CREWE, UK - THE first Bentley to wear the Azure name was the 1995 Series 1 convertible styled by Pininfarina. By the end of 2002, some 1,300 units were made.

The latest Azure is based on the recently previewed Brooklands coupe that will be launched next year. The Brooklands is based on the Arnage platform, which dates back to 1998 - the year Volkswagen took the reins at Bentley.

In less than a decade under German ownership, Bentley Motor Cars' production has soared to over 9,000 units - from fewer than 1,000 before. The growth came mainly from products other than the Arnage line-up. Namely, the Continental range.

The Arnage will be replaced in 'a few years' time'. But until then, its chassis is being continuously upgraded. It has already received lightweight carbon-fibre bracing to its underside. And various types of steel have been employed to shore up rigidity.

The old open-top chassis betrayed noticeable shudder on less-than-perfect roads - something not quite befitting an ultra expensive convertible.

On some rather worn and poorly maintained B-roads between Crewe and London, the new Azure proved no less than a revelation.

Its new reinforced chassis feels hewn from a solid block, and seems even better than Bentley's old coupes. With this stiffer body, Bentley could fit a firmer suspension and thereby completely eliminate the choppy impression of being on a boat.

Even the large 19-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres do not seem to penalise ride integrity.

At over 2.5 tonnes, the Azure cannot be piloted like a proper sports car. But now it actually responds positively and directly to steering inputs, which is a vast improvement.

Perhaps the biggest change comes in the form of a new six-speed ZF automatic transmission that shifts much faster and has a new locking torque converter for smoother shifts and better economy compared to the previous four-speed unit.

With a Sport mode, this new ZF automatic seems to be programmed optimally for just about every conceivable situation, doing away with the need to shift manually.

Other new items include a new electronic stability program that intrudes less and improves handling and dynamic response.

Tyre pressure sensors are also incorporated for added safety. Deflation warning, as well as a host of other data, are displayed on a new Thin Film Information Panel.

It has a touch of high-tech, but does not alter the traditional fascia much.

In an age where electronic wizardry drives the automotive world, the Azure stands almost alone. Like a purely mechanical handmade timepiece commanding a premium over an ocean of very accurate quartz watches, this old world Bentley will still have its followers.

But unlike watchmakers, carmakers face increasingly strict standards on safety and emissions. The Azure and the Brooklands coupe may well be the last in a line of traditionally hand-crafted limousines.